Last night (Thurs), Alice's family's agony was compounded when police revealed that tests on the murdered schoolgirl failed to show how she died. The Metropolitan Police said a post-mortem examination on her body was inconclusive and further tests would be needed.

A statement by the Metropolitan Police said: "No cause of death has been given at this time and further tests are required."

Earlier, Alice's devastated parents issued a statement. Rosalind Hodgkiss and Jose Gross said: "We have been left completely devastated by the recent developments and it is difficult to comprehend that our sweet and beautiful daughter was the victim of a terrible crime.

"Why anyone would want to hurt her is something that we are struggling to come to terms with. Alice was a loving and much loved daughter and sister, a quirky live spark of a girl, beautiful inside and out.

"She was a funny companion, a loyal friend, both passionate and compassionate, and so talented with a bright future ahead of her. She brought so much joy to our family and those who knew her."

The family also urged people to help the police by bringing her killer to justice. They also thanked the local community for supporting the family in the search for Alice.